How to Explore Seattle in a Day

Ever since our trip to California two summers ago, I’ve been hoping to make it back to the West Coast. Although I’m an East Coast gal born and raised, I’ve always secretly wanted to move to the West Coast and see what’s out there on the other side. I couldn’t be more excited to adventure out to the beautiful Pacific Northwest this summer and spend a week away in the mountains!

Everyone always says that summer is the best time to visit the PNW because of the amazing weather. Well, just our luck, the one week we were there, Seattle was covered in a huge layer of wildfire smoke — with the worst air quality on record! But that didn’t stop us from going out and exploring the city. With just one day in Seattle, here are the spots you won’t want to miss:

Pike Place Market

If you didn’t go to Pike Place Market, did you even visit Seattle? While I usually think tourist spots are overrated, Pike Place is definitely worth the hype. It’s quite possibly the quirkiest market I’ve been to, but that’s what makes it so special — it perfectly captures the spirit of the city. From the original Starbucks to the Gum Wall, flying fish to Rachel the Piggy Bank, the market is full of energy. Oh, and don’t get me started on all the food and flowers! I could wander around for hours admiring all the blooms (all grown locally!) and eating my weight in free samples (Ellenos is a must).

Tried Rainier cherries for the first time and I’m obsessed. I wish we had them on the East Coast!The germophobe in me was freaking out but also low-key impressed. I may or may not have added to the wall…Seriously contemplating moving to Washington to live and work on a flower farm!

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Seattle has many fascinating museums but if there’s one you need to visit, it’s Chihuly Garden and Glass. Skip the Space Needle — the best view of it is actually from inside the museum! I’m not much of a museum person but the beautiful and intricate blown glass sculptures took my breath away. I’ve seen photos of Chihuly’s work before but they don’t do it justice. Until you see it in person, it’s hard to believe that someone actually created all of this with their own hands.

To match with the glass flowers, I wore this fuschia DVF romper that I got on super-sale from the outlet a few seasons back. The color is very bold and not something I’d typically wear, but I love how it makes me feel confident. It’s also the most comfortable thing ever — I feel like I’m wearing silk pajamas! These Sperry slip-on sneakers have been my go-to all summer. They’re perfect for walking a lot and look cute with just about everything.

Kerry Park

Kerry Park wins for the ultimate view of the Seattle skyline — and it’s free! My inner Grey’s Anatomy nerd was fangirling big time. On a clear day you can even see Mount Rainier in the background. Grab a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy the sunset after a long day.

One day in Seattle was definitely not enough to do all I wanted to do, so I can’t wait to come back again someday. Honestly, I think I could even picture myself living here. Well, I’m not too sure about all the rain and gray skies (my mood depends a lot on the weather), but I love the lifestyle and the people. It’s hard to describe, but it felt like I fit right in. I can see myself working hard during the week and escaping to the mountains and islands on the weekends. Plus, the food scene is amazing!

So… Seattleites, make a case for your city! What are your favorite things about it? Must-see spots? Let me know in the comments below!

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About Me

Hey there! I’m Margaret, a fun sized, cupcake loving New Yorker consumed by wanderlust, seeking the next adventure, and finding joy in the little things. I hope to inspire you to live a life full of wonder and excitement. Come along for the ride!